The Season of Lent

Lent 2025

In this season of Lent, we are called to reflect on the spiritual disciplines that keep us grounded in a time of chaos and unrest. Lent offers a unique opportunity to deepen our connection with God and our commitment to love and liberation for all. It is a time to intentionally cultivate the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—in our daily lives. By engaging in practices of reflection, prayer, and self-examination, we are invited to follow Jesus' call to come closer, grow in faith, and be transformed during these 40 days of spiritual renewal.

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL READING

Get your copy at the church or download the PDF here.

Living in a time of such chaos and outrage, we need spiritual discipline to stay grounded and to live out God's call of love and liberation for all. This Lent, Old South has created a devotional booklet to accompany you through these 40 days. Each week offers a reflection and a spiritual practice drawn from the scripture of Galatians 5. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." 

ALL-CHURCH LENTEN BOOK READ: 'AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD'

Four Sundays, beginning March 16, 2nd Floor Mary Norton Hall

We invite you, as part of your Lenten practice this season, to read Barbara Brown Taylor's book An Altar in the World: a Geography of Faith. This 2009 publication presents a compelling invitation to intentionally bring more holiness to our everyday lives. Grounded in gratitude and wonder, Brown Taylor's writing is accessible and inspiring, as well as honest and funny. To take part in discussions you do not need to have read the book to participate (but we hope you do) - we'll have materials each week.

• March 16: Waking up to God, Paying Attention, and Wearing Skin
• March 23: Walking on the Earth, Getting Lost, and Encountering Others
• March 30th: The Practice of Living with Purpose, Saying No and Carrying Water
• April 6: Feeling Pain, Being Present to God, and Pronouncing Blessings

POEMS FOR THE JOURNEY: A LENTEN/HOLY WEEK GATHERING OF VERSE

Sunday, April 13, 10am, Mary Norton Hall or Zoom tinyurl.com/2025ForumOSC password community

Join Theologian in Residence Don Wells to share poems and short verses celebrating the roads we journey through life and through faith. This new event is similar to our annual Advent Poetry Fest -- only thematically Lenten / Holy Week inspired. Please let Don Wells know if you would like to share a poem, and if you need ideas! We encourage listeners as well.

BLOG: 'OUR LENTEN JOURNEY….TO BETHANY…..BETHANY?

A Blog from Rev. Don Wells, Theologian in Residence; Click here to read.

For us in the Church, while not a ‘day’ of tranquility, Lent can provide a different rhythm from the ordinary. It gives us a time frame in which to reflect, study, pray and perhaps engage in a new practice that will help us on our journey. It gives us a chance to hear again Jesus’ invitation to ‘come, follow me’, and to assess how we are doing.

Holy Week

Our Holy Week services will be both in-person and streamed online.

PALM SUNDAY | APRIL 13
9am in the Chapel and 11am in the Sanctuary
We mark Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem as our shouts of Hosanna fade to the drama of the coming week. 

MAUNDY THURSDAY | APRIL 17
6pm in the Chapel
This year’s Maundy Thursday service will be a fresh experience. In the past, we’ve focused on the failures of the disciples. This year, we will highlight the many gifts Jesus gave them to prepare for the challenging days ahead. Join us as we reflect on how Jesus offers his sustaining love through his continued presence with us, the commandment to love one another, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. With music led by Audrey Woodhams, find sustenance and encouragement for the living of these days. 

GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 18
7pm in the Sanctuary
This Good Friday, the Old South Chamber Chorus and soloists will present a performance of Sir John Stainer’s passion oratorio The Crucifixion, a musical retelling of our redeemer’s final hours. Modeled on the great passion settings of Bach, Stainer’s oratorio is among the most popular English-language works depicting the events surrounding Christ’s death. Premiered in 1887 — roughly contemporaneous with the New Old South Church edifice — the work combines recitatives, solos and masterful choruses that range from graphic shouts of “Crucify!” to the work’s beloved centerpiece, “God So Loved the World.”

EASTER SUNDAY | APRIL 20
7am Outdoor Service
Join us for a brief, informal outdoor service to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to bless the athletes of the Boston Marathon. With bagpipe and public art, celebrate the joy of the resurrection under the portico. 

9am, 11am and 1pm in the Sanctuary
The triumph of the Christian story of resurrection informs a service of worship that is characterized by joyous celebration. Our celebration continues with hundreds of
marathoners joining us for worship, where we will pause to acknowledge the athletes, their
families, and volunteers in a special Blessing of the Athletes featuring "Highland Cathedral" on bagpipe and percussion.  

Easter Sunday for children: childcare will be available on the 3rd floor from 8:20 - 12:30, and we will have Children's Worship for older children for a portion of the 9am and 11am services. For details please reach out to Dir Children and Families Kate Nintcheu (children@oldsouth.org)